Le'ahi, Hawaiian for Diamond Head, is an old volcanic crater, and is probably the most hiked trail/path in Hawai'i. It's a popular tourist attraction, and is also one of the easier hikes that also affords spectacular views of Honolulu. Diamond Head is located on the eastern end of Waikiki and is on just about every post card that shows Waikiki. The current trail sits on top of a previous trail constructed from 1908 to 1911 as part of Hawai'i Civil Air Defense System. Although it's been retired as a air defense system post-WWII, many of the bunkers and artillery batteries are still present along the way. Parts of the largest bunker/battery can be accessed by hikers at the top. It was one of the first things my family members did when the arrived on the island. The pictures and captions will tell the rest of the tale from here. Mahalo for visiting!
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| A view from half way up. Looking North East. Past the crater's far edge (foreground) is Hawaii Kai Bay, Koko Crater (middle) and Hanauma Bay (background right) |
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| They are getting towards the top. |
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| People heading up one of many switchbacks along the trail. Picture looking northwest. Past the crater's far ridge is the Ko'olau Mountain Range. |
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| One of several bunkers watching the southeast part of the island. |
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| Beth and Laura look south in front of the largest bunker/battery viewing points This bunker is actually 6 levels with several portal holes |
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| This smaller bunker looks southwest over Honolulu and Waikiki |
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| Honolulu and Waikiki in all their glory. The small pink building in the bay is the famous Royal Hawaiian Hotel. |
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| Looking northwest. Past the crater edge shows the outer limits of Honolulu crawling up the valleys between the mountain ridges. |
